Republicans said Dobbs is still largely unknown within the state’s political circles, adding that Dobbs the candidate may be different from Dobbs the broadcaster, who has been a controversial lightning rod for his views on immigration.

Patti Sapone/The Star-LedgerU.S. Sen. Robert Menendez meeting with clean energy representatives in August in South Plainfield.

Dobbs’ spokesman Robert Dilenschneider said the broadcaster, who still has his own radio show, is considering options in the arenas of media, business, private foundations and politics.

"It’s so far away, it’s not likely that anyone will be making any iron-clad commitments," former Republican state chairman Tom Wilson said. "We’ve got so many things to think about between now and then."

Rumors that Dobbs, who lives in Sussex County, would seek political office – up to and including the presidency – have swirled since he abruptly left CNN earlier this month.
The fact he is weighing a run for Menendez’s Senate seat was first reported in today’s New York Times.

Dobbs’ spokesman Robert Dilenschneider said today the broadcaster, who still has his own radio show, is considering options in the arenas of media, business, private foundations and politics.

"A step along the line might be Menendez’s seat," Dilenschneider said. "Another step might be an appointed seat."

A run against Menendez, who is New Jersey’s next statewide leader to face re-election, could polarize voters. Dobbs’s criticism of immigration policy has angered Hispanics, and Menendez is the country’s only Hispanic U.S. senator and a staunch advocate for immigrants’ rights.

"There is a touch of irony in it all," said Rider University political scientist Ben Dworkin. "There will be a tremendous amount of symbolism and baggage both will bring."

Kevin Roberts, spokesman for the Republican State Committee, said Dobbs hasn’t spoken to Jay Webber, the party’s chairman in New Jersey. He said the 2012 election is "several lifetimes away in politics."

Roberts said it’s too soon to know whether Dobbs would mesh with state Republicans.
"Political campaigns are about more then a single issue," he said. "His candidacy would have to be more about than where he stands on immigration."

Associated PressA 2005 file photo of former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs. Dobbs is mulling over his future after leaving the network, and may consider a run for elected office, his spokesman said.Dobbs was mentioned as a possible candidate for New Jersey governor last year, but eventually dismissed the idea. Wilson, the former Republican state chairman, said the "door is wide open" to Dobbs, but said he needs to start reaching out to local political leaders. Otherwise, people will be skeptical that Dobbs is simply seeking attention to boost his public profile, he said.

"My sense is, he doesn’t have those kind of relationships right now. They certainly can be cultivated," he said. "I can’t imagine there would be a Republican leader who wouldn’t want to talk to him."

Dilenschneider said Dobbs, who has branded himself "Mr. Independent" and is registered as an unaffiliated voter, has not decided whether to seek Republican support for a potential political run.

"He looks to the right and looks to the left and sees people screaming about problems," he said. "I think he wants to be as close to the center as he can."

State Democratic Chairman Joseph Cryan had no comment, saying he doesn’t know enough about Dobbs:

"I don’t have the first clue on what Lou Dobbs stands for."

Menendez, a veteran legislator who has been called a "political warrior," declined to comment, saying, "I’m concentrated on jobs, not Dobbs."

Dilenschneider said Dobbs is currently with his wife in their West Palm Beach, Fla., home mulling their future.

"They’re thinking about what to do," he said. "My guess is they will not come to a conclusion in the next week."

While Dobbs is still testing the waters, another public citizen jumped in the deep end of the political pool this week.

Former Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jon Runyan announced Tuesday he will run as a Republican against U.S. Rep. John Adler (D-3rd Dist.) next year.

Runyan signed with the San Diego Chargers for the rest of the football season, but said he will soon retire.

"I look forward to a successful end to my career on the field, and a spirited campaign against Congressman Adler," Runyan said in a statement.

Dworkin said Runyan, like Dobbs, has yet to run the gauntlet of New Jersey’s political system.

"No one knows who this guy is when it comes to being in living rooms, or when it comes to giving a speech," he said. "Politics in New Jersey is such an intense endeavor for any statewide candidate, you have to be really committed."